After making headlines for his controversial exit from Drishyam 3,
Akshaye Khanna has now shifted focus to his upcoming mythological epic Mahakali. The actor, who is currently riding high on the success of his spy actioner Dhurandhar, has joined the sets of the film, marking his official Telugu debut.
Mahakali stars Bhoomi Shetty in the lead role as Maha and is positioned as a key installment in the Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). Last September, filmmaker Prashanth Varma had unveiled Akshaye’s first-look poster from the film, revealing him as Shukracharya, a pivotal character in the mythological narrative.
Director’s post confirms Akshaye’s presence on set
The latest update came through director Puja Kolluru, who recently shared a year-end post on Instagram featuring a selfie with Akshaye Khanna from the film’s sets. The post effectively confirmed that filming is underway with the actor on board.
Touted as Tollywood’s first female superhero film, Mahakali is being positioned as a large-scale, genre-defining project and is scheduled for an early 2026 theatrical release.
Drishyam 3 exit sparks industry debate
While Akshaye’s professional slate continues to expand, his sudden exit from Drishyam 3 has sparked intense debate within the industry. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios publicly accused the actor of walking out just days before the film was set to go on floors.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Pathak alleged that Akshaye’s recent success had impacted his conduct. “Success has gone to Akshaye Khanna’s head,” he said, adding that a legal notice was sent to the actor following his exit.
Pathak went on to make strong remarks about Akshaye’s career trajectory, claiming that Section 375 and Drishyam 2 played a crucial role in reviving his standing in the industry. He also described the actor’s energy on set as “toxic” and questioned his ability to carry a solo film commercially.
‘Dhurandhar is a team effort,’ say makers
Pathak further downplayed Akshaye’s individual contribution to Dhurandhar, stating that the film’s success was largely driven by its leading star Ranveer Singh. Drawing comparisons, he pointed out that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn, while Chhaava and Dhurandhar also revolve around bigger marquee names.
“If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs 50 crore in India,” Pathak claimed, adding that the actor should test his perceived superstardom independently.
Abhishek Pathak breaks silence on creative differences
Following these statements, Drishyam 3 director Abhishek Pathak also addressed Akshaye Khanna’s exit in an interaction with ETimes. Clarifying speculation around recasting, he confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat is not replacing Akshaye but will instead play a newly written character.
“He left the decision entirely to me,” Abhishek said, referring to Ajay Devgn’s reaction to Akshaye’s departure.
Pathak revealed that the contract was signed in November and accused the actor of exiting just five days before the shoot, despite the look being locked, costumes underway and narration completed.
Wig controversy and continuity concerns
One of the major points of contention, according to Abhishek Pathak, was Akshaye’s request to wear a wig in Drishyam 3. The director explained that the film continues directly from Drishyam 2, where the actor sported a bald look.
“You can’t have him bald in the afternoon courtroom scene and suddenly show up with hair in the evening,” Pathak said, adding that the issue resurfaced despite earlier discussions.
Fees renegotiated but issues persisted
Addressing rumours of a Rs 21 crore fee demand, Pathak declined to reveal the exact amount but admitted that Akshaye’s remuneration was renegotiated. “The commercials were revisited, we worked it out, and the contract was signed. After that, all this drama started,” he said.
Pathak also noted that Akshaye exited the project a day before Dhurandhar’s release, maintaining that the decision was not driven by money.
‘He’s being told he’ll become a superstar’
In a candid remark, Abhishek Pathak suggested that external influences may have played a role in the actor’s decision-making. “People around him are telling him that he’ll become a superstar and that he should do something all about him,” he said, adding pointedly, “Try doing a solo film now.”
Calling Dhurandhar’s success a collective achievement, Pathak concluded, “It’s not about one person.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, Akshaye Khanna appears determined to move ahead, with Mahakali set to introduce him to a new industry and audience.
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